\In rem\ [L.] (Law)
Lit., in or against a (or the) thing;
Note: used:
(a) Of any right (called
{right, or jus},
{in rem}) of such a nature as to be available over its
   subject without reference to one person more than another,
   or, as generally expressed, a right competent, or
   available, against all persons. Rights in rem include not
   alone rights over physical property, but all rights
   available against all persons indifferently, as those of
   life, liberty, and reputation.
(b) Of actions for recovering or reducing to possession or
    enjoyment a specific object, as in the enforcement of
    maritime liens against a vessel, which is made the
    defendant by a sort of personification. Most actions for
    the specific recovery of property in English and American
    law are in the nature of actions in personam against a
    person alleged to be unlawfully withholding the property.